- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ravioli. Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions, usually in boiling salted water for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender. Drain the ravioli and set them aside.
- Mix the creamy filling. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Stage 2: Assembling the Casserole
- Layer the sauce and ravioli. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce.
- Add the ricotta mixture. Spoon and spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat the layers. Add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Stage 3: Baking the Casserole
- Cover and bake. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake more. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Stage 4: Serving
- Garnish and serve. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutesbefore slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added freshness and color.
- Enjoy! Serve the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a side of garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:
- Use high-quality marinara sauce. The sauce is a key component of this dish, so use a marinara that you love or even make your own for extra flavor.
- Add extra toppings. Feel free to add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the casserole for more flavor and variety.
- Make it ahead. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Customize with cheese. If you love cheese, feel free to add extra layers of mozzarella or Parmesan to the casserole. You can also mix in some provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts:
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an indulgent, cheesy, and comforting dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. The creamy ricotta and sour cream topping, combined with the marinara sauce and cheese ravioli, creates a rich and hearty meal that everyone will love! Enjoy!